Personalised learning environments (part 2): a conceptual model for construction

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual model for a PLE prototype, specifically incorporating learning styles for the UK construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – The initial research methodology approach adopted for this paper embraced the distillation of core research material gathered from a detailed literature review. The literature review encompassed the needs and importance of developing a PLE prototype, and used as a context learning styles for the UK construction industry. A qualitative approach was used in this research, as this was considered more suitable for studying social and cultural phenomena. This paper explores the relationship between pedagogy and technology in the context of the design and implementation of a PLE. The implementation framework for the PLE adopted the principles of the “Collaborative System Design” approach as identified by the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative Guidelines. Findings – This paper describes the development phases of the PLE prototype incorporating learning styles. This prototype incorporates a learning style inventory – known as the diagnostic questionnaire which was developed based on the amalgamation of three existing models of learning styles defined from a detailed synthesis of the literature – namely the Kolb's model of learning styles, Honey and Mumford's model of learning styles and the Felder and Solomon's model of learning styles. Originality/value – This paper is a very useful source in developing a learning style inventory and a PLE prototype incorporating learning styles.